India grouped with Pakistan, Japan in Asian Games hockey

NEW DELHI: Commonwealth Games silver medallists India have been grouped with arch-rivals Pakistan in the men’s hockey competition for November 12-27 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.

Japan, Bangladesh and Hong Kong are the other teams in India’s group. Pool A comprises defending champions South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Oman and hosts China.

India, who finished fifth in the 2006 Asian Games, open their campaign against Hong Kong Nov 15, and face Bangladesh in their next match Nov 17. Their face-off with Pakistan will take place Nov 20 and India will end their group stage against Japan Nov 21.

Indian women’s team, who won the bronze in Doha, will face Malaysia in their opening game Nov 13. The women’s competition will be played on a round robin format between China, Korea, Japan, India, Malaysia, Kazakhstan and Thailand.

Fixture:

Men’s

Nov 15: India vs. Hong Kong

Nov 17: India vs. Bangladesh

Nov 20: India vs. Pakistan

Nov 21: India vs. Japan

Nov 23: Classification matches and semi-finals

Nov 25: Bronze medal and gold medal matches

Women’s

Nov 13: India vs. Malaysia

Nov 16: India vs. Japan

Nov 17: India vs. South Korea

Nov 19: India vs. Thailand

Nov 20: India vs. Kazakhstan

Nov 22: India vs. China

Nov 24: Classification matches, bronze medal and gold medal matches